Madam, - Some of the points
made by Darrell Crowe of Repak (January 23rd) require comment.

He says it is "more efficient and targeted.
. .to charge producers for their packaging, thereby penalising over-packaging
on products". Nonsense - the cost is simply passed on to the
purchaser.

He argues for the "role and function"
of packaging. Indeed. But is it beyond the wit of men to produce packaging
which is totally and easily recyclable? Other forms of packaging should
be outlawed, except perhaps biodegradable packaging.

Newspapers are easily recycled, anywhere.

Mr Crowe might explain the type and amount of
packaging on a set of two small batteries, for instance.

Unless Repak becomes part of a serious change
in the amount and type of packaging permitted it will continue to
be seen as a screen to protect major retailers from accepting their
full responsibilities. - Yours, etc,

Madam, - As someone who runs a small company that
takes its responsibilities seriously I believe that, rather than encouraging
good recycling practice the system operated by Repak actually discourages
companies from actively working to reduce packaging waste.

The system introduced by the EU is that the supplier
of packaging waste is responsible for its disposal. This is how the
system should work. Customers should be able to return waste packaging
to the supplier or shop where they purchased the goods, with these
companies supplying a collection and recycling service.

This is not the case with companies that pay
a subscription to Repak. They are not obliged to take back any packaging
waste at all. By paying this levy they are completely absolved of
any responsibility for disposing of any packaging waste which they
supply.

The easy option is for companies to pay a levy
to Repak and forget about recycling. This would not be the case if
supermarkets and shops were required to take back packaging. I believe
there would then be a substantial increase in packaging recycling
and an added incentive to reduce the amount of packaging. - Yours,
etc,